Michigan to California Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 2,404 miles from Michigan to California ranges from $1,267 to $2,010. Expect the trip to take around five–thirteen days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Michigan car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Michigan to California car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Michigan to California:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Michigan
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Michigan that can transport your vehicle to California:
- Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- First Choice Of Elkhart Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Awesome Auto Transporters LLC: 3.64 out of 5 stars
Detroit Auto Shipping Group
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-michigan/detroit
3.8 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised the exceptional service provided by staff members, particularly highlighting their communication skills and professionalism throughout the auto shipping process. Many felt confident and informed during their experience.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2239008
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US
firstchoiceautotransport.com
3.8 / 5.0
Customers frequently praised the friendly and helpful staff, particularly mentioning responsive communication and professionalism. However, experiences were marred by complaints about poor communication regarding fees and serious issues with the handling of a vehicle accident involving uninsured drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 681284
Jack Cooper Transport
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US
jackcooper.com
3.72 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US
greatlakeslogistics.net
3.64 / 5.0
Great Lakes Logistics receives praise for exceptional customer service, reliable communication, and timely delivery while facing criticism for issues with equipment quality and communication difficulties.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2951078
Awesome Auto Transporters LLC
6444 London St, Detroit, MI 48221 US
awesomeautotransporter.com
3.64 / 5.0
Customers are exceptionally satisfied with the company overall, frequent praise aligns toward professionalism, reliability, and convenient pricing, characteristic of this mall but truly competent enterprise.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Michigan to California
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Michigan to California, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 2,404 extra miles on your car to travel from Michigan to California. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Michigan to California. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Michigan to California auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Michigan and California. The trip typically spans 2,404 miles and takes about five–thirteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to California
| From Michigan to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,264 – $1,957 | 2,281 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA | $1,267 – $2,119 | 2,342 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Detroit, MI to San Jose, CA | $1,216 – $2,051 | 2,427 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Detroit, MI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,276 – $2,058 | 2,297 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA | $1,216 – $2,017 | 2,393 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to California
| From Michigan to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,242 – $1,952 | 2,177 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to San Diego, CA | $1,315 – $2,038 | 2,238 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to San Jose, CA | $1,267 – $1,976 | 2,321 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,255 – $2,032 | 2,192 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to San Francisco, CA | $1,251 – $1,937 | 2,289 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to California
| From Michigan to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren, MI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,289 – $2,038 | 2,295 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Warren, MI to San Diego, CA | $1,280 – $1,976 | 2,351 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Warren, MI to San Jose, CA | $1,292 – $2,030 | 2,434 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Warren, MI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,267 – $2,139 | 2,305 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Warren, MI to San Francisco, CA | $1,241 – $2,010 | 2,402 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to California
| From Michigan to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights, MI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,213 – $2,079 | 2,293 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to San Diego, CA | $1,216 – $2,099 | 2,355 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to San Jose, CA | $1,331 – $1,989 | 2,438 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,319 – $1,997 | 2,309 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to San Francisco, CA | $1,331 – $2,133 | 2,406 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to California
| From Michigan to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,276 – $2,119 | 2,239 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to San Diego, CA | $1,344 – $1,936 | 2,301 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to San Jose, CA | $1,293 – $2,058 | 2,384 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,225 – $2,079 | 2,255 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to San Francisco, CA | $1,216 – $1,936 | 2,352 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan to California
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Michigan to California you should expect to pay between $1,584 and $2,513.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to California
When arranging car transport from the Wolverine State to the Golden State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to California.
- Distance and route: The route from Michigan to California is about 2,404 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Michigan, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Michigan and California.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Michigan to California takes five–thirteen days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in California, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
- Vehicle inspection: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
- Driver’s license: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Additional taxes: You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Michigan
More than 10.0 million people call Michigan home. Nicknamed the Wolverine State. Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
Transporting your vehicle to California
About 39.0 million people are living in the Golden State. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Michigan and delivery in California?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Michigan and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Michigan to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Michigan to California, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to California, which you should verify before loading your car in Michigan.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
How long does it take to ship a car from Michigan to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Michigan to California is about 2,404 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take five to thirteen days to travel from Michigan to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
If I have a driver’s license in Michigan, will I need one in California?
If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
If I bought a car in Michigan, will I be required to pay sales tax in California after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Michigan to California after purchasing it.
You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Michigan and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to California is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Michigan to California?
Shipping a car from Michigan to California costs $1,267 to $2,010.
